At AmericaFest, Megyn Kelly responded sharply to Ben Shapiro after he criticized her earlier in the event. Kelly, host of the “Megyn Kelly Show” and a former Fox News anchor, took the stage on Friday evening to deliver a fiery retort.
Kelly criticized Shapiro for acting as if he has the authority to determine who remains part of the conservative movement, suggesting he’s unaware of his own position within it. She emphasized her support for Shapiro in the past, recalling how she helped boost his profile when he was relatively unknown.
Shapiro had previously accused Kelly of cowardice for not condemning podcaster Candace Owens, who has promoted unproven theories related to Charlie Kirk’s death. He also criticized her for defending Tucker Carlson.
“I don’t think we are friends anymore,” Kelly declared. “I’ve been a good friend to Ben. Nobody knew who he was before I featured him on my shows, and I helped make him a star.”
Kelly was the main speaker on the first night of the conference, which was sponsored by Turning Point USA. The event featured other notable figures such as former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, actor Rob Schneider, former White House strategist Steve Bannon, and commentator Jack Posobiec.
During Thursday’s opening night, Erika Kirk attempted to promote unity among speakers, including Shapiro, Carlson, and comedian Russell Brand, who openly criticized one another. Despite Carlson denying that a “civil war” is brewing within the Republican Party, many leading conservatives continue to reveal deep divisions.
